1956 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 1963 Bristol 408 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Aston Martin DB2. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1956 Aston Martin DB2 has manual transmission. 1956 Aston Martin DB2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB2 | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Bristol |
| Model | DB2 | 408 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 72 L |
